Collapsible outdoor footwear and backpack

ABSTRACT

A collapsible article of footwear that is waterproof is provided. The collapsible article of footwear may include in combination a collapsible backpack for use in carrying sports footwear and other sports gear that is associated with an outdoor activity, while wearing the collapsible footwear.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention is directed to outdoor equipment. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to collapsible footwear anda corresponding collapsible backpack for use in outdoor sports oractivities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Many outdoor activities require the use of bulky, uncomfortablefootwear. Such footwear, although functional for its intended purpose,may be uncomfortable for prolonged use, either before, during or afterthe activity. Such extended wear may produce foot fatigue in addition tosoreness and cramping. Moreover, such footwear can be inconvenient fortravel to and from the activity.

[0003] For example, a downhill ski boot is hard-shelled, highlyconstrictive and not at all conducive for wear outside of speeding downa mountain while secured in the bindings of a pair of skis. Simple taskssuch as walking to and from a car, or moving around a cafeteria during abreak in the day, can result in severe foot discomfort. Similarsituations arise for hikers, ice skaters, in-line skaters, bicyclists,and certain pilots.

[0004] Walking to the base of a ski hill, or another starting point ofthe outdoor activity can be easily done in comfortable standard outdoorfootwear. The problem, however, is what to do with the standard footwearonce the sport footwear is worn. Some options are to store the standardfootwear in a distant locker, or hope to store them in a backpack. Mostoptions are inconvenient and/or uncomfortable and must be done whilewalking in the sport footwear. An outdoor weatherproof footwear that canbe stuffed into a pocket would solve this problem.

[0005] “Apres-ski boots” of the 1970s addressed a similar problem ofwhat to wear after skiing when one has returned to one's car or condo.However, these boots were not at all suitable for stuffing in one'sjacket pocket, nor suitable for bringing along when camping orbackpacking. Moreover, many types of indoor/outdoor slippers exist, butall have one or more disadvantages. For example, some are not flexibleor crushable enough. Also, some do not have waterproof uppers. Mostindoor/outdoor slippers look like slippers, which is not appealing tooutdoors-oriented people.

[0006] There are many different types, styles and varieties of footwearavailable to the outdoor enthusiast for post-activity wear. However,none have the combination of being weatherproof, compressible andsportily designed. It would be an improvement over the prior art toprovide footwear for the outdoor enthusiast having an aestheticallypleasing design that is both weatherproof and compressible orcollapsible.

[0007] In addition, it would be advantageous to provide a backpack forcarrying the footwear associated with the activity while wearing thepost activity footwear. The backpack would be collapsible so as to fitcomfortably in a small space, such as a pocket of a ski jacket, butdurable enough to carry the many different varieties of heavy gearassociated with the activity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The foregoing and other features, utilities and advantages of theinvention will be apparent from the following more particulardescription of preferred embodiments of the invention as illustrated inthe accompanying drawings.

[0009] In accordance with one aspect of the current invention, awaterproof and collapsible article of footwear is provided. Thecollapsible article of footwear comprises an insole having one or morelayers of insulating material wherein the insole provides protectionbetween a user's foot and the elements. A sole pad is also provided thathas a top face and a bottom face, wherein the top face of the sole padsupports the insole. The footwear also has an upper having an outerlayer of material and an inner layer of material. The outer layer ofmaterial is waterproof and optionally it is breathable. In accordancewith the invention, the upper collapses onto the sole pad to a thicknesssufficiently small for convenient storage. The footwear also has alining that contacts the insole and the upper that is constructed of amoisture wicking and insulating material. While the wicking/insulatingcharacteristics of the lining are desirable, these characteristics arenot required. For example, a stretch-vinyl lining can be used havingsmall vents, or the lining can be formed of a smooth and an attractivematerial. Finally, the footwear preferably includes a waterproof sealingthat connects the sole pad and the upper to produce a waterproof seam.

[0010] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a combinationcollapsible article of footwear and collapsible backpack are provided.The backpack has a back section, a front section, a bottom section and apair of shoulder straps. The shoulder straps are secured to the backsection and are removably coupled to the bottom section. The backpack isconstructed of a material that allows it to be compressed. In addition,the material has a tensile strength allowing the backpack to carry up tofifty pounds of gear. In use, these shoulder straps can be released fromthe backpack's bottom section, whereupon the loose ends of the shoulderstraps can be connected to connections that are located at the top ofthe backpack, such that the backpack can then be used as a shoulder bag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a collapsible article offootwear in accordance with the present invention;

[0012]FIG. 2 is a top view of the FIG. 1 collapsible article offootwear;

[0013]FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the FIG. 1 collapsible article offootwear;

[0014]FIG. 4 is a side view of the FIG. 1 collapsible article offootwear in its collapsed state;

[0015]FIG. 5 is a side view of an embodiment of a collapsible article offootwear in accordance with the present invention wherein the article offootwear is shown in its collapsed state, this embodiment having a notchin the sole, this notch being located generally under the arch of thefoot of a user;

[0016]FIG. 6 is a side view similar to FIG. 1 wherein a stuff sack isattached to the collapsible article of footwear, this stuff sack beingfor us in covering the article of footwear when it is in its FIG. 4 orFIG. 5 collapsed state;

[0017]FIG. 7 is a front view of a backpack in accordance with thepresent invention;

[0018]FIG. 8 is a side view of the FIG. 7 backpack;

[0019]FIG. 9 is a back view of a backpack in accordance with the presentinvention, the back panel of the backpack including a number ofexterior-located straps that can be closed around articles such as a skiand pole, to thus enable the backpack and its articles to be carried onthe back of a user; and

[0020]FIG. 10 is a side view of another embodiment of a collapsiblearticle of footwear in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0021] Currently, slippers are made to look and function like slippers.However, slippers are not immune to the elements, and typical slippersare not practical for outdoor use and wear. It is therefore desirable toprovide an article of footwear for the outdoor enthusiast that providesthe comfort and ease of use that is associated with a slipper. Inaddition, it would be beneficial to provide footwear that is comfortablewhen in use, and can be compressed for storage when not in use,particularly when storage space is in short supply. Moreover, a sporty,casual and comfortable indoor/outdoor article of footwear would also beappealing to non-sports-people who do not wear slippers, but wantslipper-like functions in their footwear. Since footwear in accordancewith this invention lends itself to wild and colorful designs, thefootwear appeals to the teenage and 20's market, regardless of whetheror not the footwear is worn as part of a sports activity.

[0022] According to the invention, footwear can be constructed in nearlyunlimited styles, including slip-on styles that include elastic vents.Accordingly, the following embodiments illustrate examples of theinvention. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that anynumber of materials and shapes similar to those described will functionin a similar manner as that described, and therefore may be usedinterchangeably without departing from the intended function.

[0023] Compressible Waterproof Footwear

[0024]FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of compressible orcollapsible footwear 100 in accordance with the present invention. Theoverall design of collapsible footwear 100 is preferably ankle-high toensure that snow and water does not spill over the top and onto a foot.Several styles are possible for footwear 100, such as pull-on, Velcroadjustable, openings at the side, or lace up the front in a mannersimilar to a boxing shoe. A thin and stretch stuff sack may be includedwith or secured to the side or to the tongue of footwear 100 (forexample see 150 in FIG. 6). The footwear design provides a waterprooffoot-enclosure that is warm and is protected from the elements, so thatnormal splashing and walking in snow and water does not allow moistureonto the foot.

[0025] Collapsible footwear 100 has a collapsible upper 110 that issecured to a sole pad 105, for example by a waterproof seam 107. Theinterior of upper 110 is lined with a lining 115. Waterproof seam 107may not be required for footwear 100 that is intended for use indoors,for example after a day of hiking.

[0026] Upper 110 may be of a three-layer construction, include an outermaterial, a middle material and an inner material, thus providingmaximum protection from the elements. Upper 110 may also be of atwo-layer construction that includes an outer material and an innermaterial. In the illustrated embodiment, collapsible footwear 100includes an upper having a three-layer construction, comprising a outerwater resistant material, an intermediate insulating material, and ainner fleece or wicking knit fabric. In the case of a lace-up embodiment(not shown), a tongue may or may not include all three of these layers.Again, the above-mentioned intermediate insulating layer may not berequired for footwear 100 that is intended for use in the summer.

[0027] Upper 110 may be constructed using styles that are in use forstandard footwear, including, but not limited to, lace-up, slip-on, orzip-up. In an embodiment of the invention, the three layers of a typicalupper 110 included an outer layer of Gore-Tex® or the equivalent, amiddle layer of Thinsulate® or the equivalent, and an inner layer ofPolarTec® 100 or the equivalent. The materials used for upper 110 shouldnot be bulky, unless footwear 100 is intended to fit only in a backpackand not in a pocket.

[0028] Preferably, but without limitation thereto, the outer layermaterial of upper 110 should be waterproof and breathable. This can beachieved through use of breathable materials such as Gore-Tex® ornonbreathable materials such as vinyl that includes breathing vents. Ifcollapsible footwear 100 is intended for use during winter activities,footwear 100 should be insulated with thin layer of insulating material,such as Thinsulate®.

[0029] In many cases, footwear 100 is intended to be worn for winteractivities or activities in which water is present. As such, upper 110is high enough to keep out snow or water at anticipated levels, withoutunreasonably reducing the compressibility of footwear 100. In oneembodiment, footwear 100 should be at a minimum ankle-high for use afterskiing. In another embodiment (not shown), if snow or water isanticipated to be significantly higher, upper 110 can be extend abovethe ankle, preferably with only the outer layer of fabric (such asGore-Tex®) extending above the ankle, and without the insulating layerand the lining layer extending above the ankle.

[0030] Upper 110 may be secured to sole pad 105 using a waterproof seam107. Seam 107 connects upper 110 to sole pad 105, whereupon upper 110and sole pad 105 are sealed using a standard seam sealer or a productthat creates a waterproof seam 107.

[0031] For footwear 100 intended to be worn during winter activities,lining 115 that comes into contact with the wearer's foot, and lining115 is preferably an insulating material that wicks moisture away fromthe foot, without unnecessarily adding to the bulk of footwear 100.Lining 115 may be manufactured from a material such as PolarTec® 100.

[0032]FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of FIG. 1's compressible footwear100. An insole 120 rests on top of lining 115. Insole 120 is intended tobe worn during winter activities, and therefore should ensure that thewearer's foot is given reasonable protection from cold or other outdoorelements. That is, insole 120 provides additional protection from thecold and outdoor elements. Insole 120 may be manufactured frominsulating materials such as is used in standard thin insoles, forexample {fraction (3/8)} inch polystyrene insulation sheets, insulatingmaterials used as underlayments for prefabricated wood floors, and thelike. The thickness of this insulation is chosen depending on theanticipated roughness of the walking surfaces. If footwear 100 inaccordance with the invention does not include an insole 120, thematerials that make up footwear 100 are chosen to reduce any surfaceroughness that a wearer might otherwise feel, without unduly increasingthe bulk of footwear 100.

[0033]FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of FIG. 1's compressible footwear100. Particularly shown is sole 105. In an embodiment the sole 105 offootwear 100 should not exceed one-half inch in thickness, when not inuse. Sole 105 of footwear 100 is intended for use during winteractivities and therefore provides sufficient traction, water-resistanceand security while walking on snow, ice, and other surfaces. A standardsole that is found on most indoor/outdoor slippers provides sufficienttraction and water resistance in accordance with the present invention.Other materials, such as the material used for rubber floor mats incars, also provide sufficient traction, water-resistance and protectionfrom rough surfaces.

[0034] As stated above, sole 105 of footwear 100 is waterproof.Sufficient water-resistance can be achieved through use of rubber solesor other standard waterproof materials. Sole 105 of footwear 100 shouldensure that the wearer's foot is provided reasonable protection fromrough surfaces such as gravel. This can be achieved by varying thestiffness and thickness of sole 105, as well as by using thin insolessuch as 120 of FIG. 2 that are formed of a moderately stiff fabric thatprotects the foot, but does not unreasonably reduce the ability offootwear 100 to fold or roll. Materials that offer this protectioninclude stiff vinyl and cardboard, and if footwear 100 is intended foroutdoor wear an insole 120 protects the wearer's feet.

[0035]FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of compressible footwear 100 inits compressed or collapsed state 400. In an embodiment of the inventionthe waterproof and collapsible article of footwear 100 collapses ontothe sole to a thickness of from about two inches to about three inches.

[0036]FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a modification of compressiblefootwear 100 in accordance with the invention in its compressed state500. In this modification sole 105 is provided with a notch 125 thatextends the width of sole 105 and is located generally between the heeland the ball of a user's foot, that is notch 125 is located generallyunder the arch of a foot. Notch 125 allows the front portion 130 of sole105 to be folded onto the back portion 136 of sole 105 (this foldedposition is not shown). As such, notch 125 assists in the folding ofcompressed footwear 500.

[0037]FIG. 6 illustrates compressible footwear 600 in accordance withthe invention, as above-described relative to footwear 100, footwear 600having a thin stuff sack 150 that is sewn onto the front portion ofliner 115. In one embodiment, stuff sack 150 is a thin, French-seamed,stuff sack of roughly a paper-grocery-sack design that folds up and isinserted into a lined pocket (not shown) that is within an overlappingpart of upper 110, or is inserted into a tongue (not shown).

[0038] Each article of footwear in accordance with this invention iseasily compressed, via folding or other means, so as to fit into apocket such as a ski jacket pocket. Aids to maintaining the footwear'scompression can be added, such as a small storage sack or stuff sack.Such aids may also shield the footwear's dirty sole from the inside of apocket.

[0039] Compressible Backpack

[0040] According to another aspect of the invention, a collapsiblebackpack for carrying sports gear is provided. The backpack providesexterior strap-means for carrying heavy sports gear such as ski boots,snowboard boots, hockey skates and ice skates, inline skates, bicycleshoes, hiking boots and the like in a compact package on the outside ofthe backpack. Since the backpack is compressible, the user may easilyand comfortably store the collapsible backpack when it is not beingused, such as storing in a pocket of a jacket, or in a small pocket of alarger backpack. In use, the backpack expands to provide sufficient roomto accommodate heavy sports gear.

[0041] According to FIG. 7, compressible backpack 700 is manufacturedfrom a material that allows it to be folded, crumpled or balled-up intoa small volume for storing. When expanded, the backpack's main storagecompartment is sufficiently large enough to provide capacity for sportsfootwear, e.g., ski boots. In addition, the tensile strength of thebackpack's material is sufficient to withstand strain that is placedupon it by the heavy sports gear. As a result, a compressible backpack700 is provided for transporting heavy sports gear that occupies alimited amount of space when not in use, and is strong enough to carryheavy gear. In another aspect of the invention, a plurality of strapsthat are externally located on the back of the backpack are provided tocarry items such as ski poles and skis.

[0042] In one embodiment of the invention, backpack 700 carries skiboots, skis and ski poles while a user is wearing the above-describedcollapsible footwear. Backpack 700 is made of compressible andcollapsible fabric, so that when empty it can fit in a jacket pocket orthe small pocket of a larger backpack. For example, backpack 700 may bemanufactured using heavy netting, tulle, or nylon.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 8, material pieces 720, 730 and 740 respectivelyform the front, back and bottom sections of backpack 700. Shoulderstraps 705 and 706 of backpack 700 are secured to front section 720 andare removably coupled to bottom section 740. Shoulder straps 705, 706are made of a webbing material that may not include padding, to therebyreduce bulk, since a skier is typically wearing a jacket or otherclothing that provides padding. Backpack 700 may also include astuff-sack such as 150 of FIG. 6 that is affixed to the material makingup backpack 700.

[0044] Backpack 700 is designed to carry heavy sporting equipment thatcan weigh as much as fifty pounds. As such, reinforcement of backpack700 may be provided by narrow webbing straps 750 that run verticallyaround backpack 700. This reinforcement significantly increases thetensile strength of the backpack material.

[0045] Backpack 700 may be worn as a backpack, or as anover-the-shoulder carry bag in the event that the wearer is alreadywearing a backpack. This conversion from a backpack to a shoulder carrybag is achieved through the use of plastic clips that connect straps 705and 706 to the bottom of backpack 700, which plastic clips unclip sothat the two strap-ends can be then attached at the top of backpack 700,such that backpack 700 can then be carried as a shoulder bag. Plasticclips 325 have a male end 710 and a female end 715. As shown in FIG. 7,the female end 710 is secured to a shoulder strap and the male end 710is secured to the bottom 740 of backpack 700. Release of the male end710 from the bottom 740 of backpack 700 enables the male ends 710 to besecured to female ends 715 that are secured to the top of backpack 700.

[0046] Backpack 700 provides the function of carrying not only ski bootsbut skis and poles as well. As shown in FIG. 9, skis and poles arecarried at an angle by means of four webbing loops 760 that are attachedto the outside of backpack 700. As illustrated, four webbing loops 760are provided, however any number of loops may be used without divertingfrom the intended purpose of the invention. In one embodiment, the endsof webbing loops connect of close using Velcro or other closuremechanisms, thereby allowing skis and poles to be attached to theoutside of the back panel 730 of backpack 700. It is intended that theselected loop-closure mechanism provide a loop of sufficient tightnessto ensure that skis, poles and the like do not slip through loops 760and fall.

[0047]FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of acollapsible article of footwear 900 in accordance with the inventionwherein the upper 901 of footwear 900 is generally as above-described,upper 901 including an internal wicking layer 906 that generallysurrounds the foot of a user.

[0048]FIG. 10 provides an exploded view of the three-layer sole portion902 of footwear 900. Sole portion 902 includes (1) an insulating and/orpadded insole layer 903 that is relatively flexible, (2) a bottom orexternal sole layer 904 that is relatively flexible and is preferablyboth water-proof and skid-proof, and (3) a three-piece layer 905 thatlies intermediate layers 903 and 904.

[0049] Intermediate three-piece layer 905 is made up of (1) afront-portion 910 that is formed of a relatively rigid rubber orplastic, (2) a mid-portion 911 that is formed of a relatively flexiblefoam or rubber, and (3) a rear-portion 912 that is formed of arelatively rigid rubber or plastic. As a result, three-piece layer 905can be bent or folded about its mid-portion 911.

[0050] Front-portion 910 is located generally under the ball of a user'sfoot, mid-portion 911 is located generally under the arch of a user'sfoot, and rear-portion 912 is located generally under the heel of auser's foot, and the three portions 910,911,912 of layer 905 physicallyabut to form one continuous layer 905.

[0051] While the thickness of the three layers 903, 904 and 905 is notcritical to the invention, an example thickness of middle layer 905 isabout ¼th inch. In addition, while the heel-to-toe length of flexiblemid-portion 911 is not critical to the invention, an example length offlexible mid-portion 911 is from about 1 inch to about 2 inches.

[0052] In its collapsed state footwear 900 appears much as is shown inFIG. 4, and footwear 900 may include stuff sack 150 shown in FIG. 6.

[0053] While the invention has been particularly shown and describedwith reference to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understoodby those skilled in the art that various other changes in the form anddetails may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

1. A waterproof and collapsible article of footwear, comprising: aninternal and flexible insole having one or more layers of insulatingmaterial; an external and flexible sole pad having a top face and abottom face opposite to said top face, said top face of said sole padsupporting said insole; a collapsible upper having an outer layer ofmaterial, a middle layer of material and an inner layer of material,said outer layer of material being waterproof and breathable; acollapsible lining formed of moisture wicking and insulating materialcontacting said insole and said inner layer of material; a waterproofseal connecting said sole pad to said upper; and said upper and saidlining being collapsible onto said insole.
 2. The article of footwear ofclaim 1, wherein said outer layer of material comprises Gore-Tex®, saidmiddle layer of material comprises Thinsulate® and said inner layer ofmaterial comprises PolarTec®.
 3. The article of footwear of claim 1,wherein said outer layer of material comprises vinyl having breathingvents.
 4. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein said sole pad iswaterproof.
 5. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein said sole paddoes not exceed about ½ inch in thickness.
 6. The article of footwear ofclaim 1, further comprising a stuff-sack secured to said upper, saidstuff-sack for surrounding said article of footwear in a collapsed stateof said article of footwear.
 7. The article of footwear of claim 1,wherein said upper collapses onto said sole pad to a thickness of nomore than about two inches.
 8. A combination of a collapsible backpackand a collapsible article of footwear, comprising: an article offootwear comprising: an insole having one or more layers of insulatingmaterial; a sole pad having a top face and a bottom face opposite tosaid top face, said top face of said sole pad supporting said insole; ancollapsible upper having an outer layer of material, a middle layer ofmaterial and an inner layer of material, said outer layer of materialbeing waterproof and breathable, and said upper being collapsible ontosaid sole pad; a collapsible lining formed of a moisture wicking andinsulating material contacting said insole and said inner layer ofmaterial; and a waterproof seal connecting said sole pad and to saidupper; and a collapsible backpack comprising: a back section, a frontsection, a bottom section and a pair of shoulder straps having one endsecured to said back section and having an second end removably coupledto said bottom section, said backpack being constructed of a materialthat allows said backpack to be compressed, and said material having atensile strength allowing said backpack to carry up to 50 pounds.
 9. Thecombination of claim 8, further comprising closable loops externallysecured to said back section of said backpack, said straps for carryingarticles such as ski poles and/or skies.
 10. The combination collapsibleof claim 8, further comprising vertical webbing straps for reinforcingsaid front section and said back section.
 11. The combination offootwear of claim 8, further comprising a pair of plastic clips having afemale connector and a male connector, said male connector secured toone of said pair of shoulder straps and said female connector secured tosaid bottom section, wherein said plastic clips are removably coupledallowing said backpack to be converted to an over-the-shoulder bag. 12.The combination of claim 8, wherein said backpack material is chosenfrom a group consisting of heavy netting, tulle or nylon.
 13. Thecombination of claim 8, wherein said upper collapses onto said sole padto a thickness of no more than about two inches.
 14. A waterproof andcollapsible article of footwear comprising: an insole having one or morelayers of insulating material that provide protection from the elements;a sole pad having a top face and a bottom face opposite to said topface, said top face of said sole pad supporting said insole; acollapsible upper having an outer layer of material and an inner layerof material, said outer layer of material being waterproof andbreathable, said upper being collapsible onto said sole pad; acollapsible lining within said upper and constructed of a moisturewicking insulating material; and a waterproof seal connecting said solepad and said upper.
 15. The article of footwear of claim 14, whereinsaid outer layer comprises Gore-Tex®, and said inner layer comprisesThinsulate®.
 16. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein said outerlayer comprises vinyl having breathing vents.
 17. The article offootwear of claim 14, wherein said sole pad is waterproof.
 18. Thearticle of footwear of claim 14, wherein said sole pad does not exceedabout ½ inch in thickness.
 19. The article of footwear of claim 14,further comprising a stuff sack secured to said upper, said stuff sackfor surrounding said article of footwear in its collapsed state.
 20. Thearticle of footwear of claim 14, said upper collapses onto said sole padto a thickness of no more than about 2 inches.
 21. A collapsible articleof footwear comprising: an flexible insole; a flexible three-layer solepad having (1) a bottom layer that is formed of a flexible material andincludes a bottom surface adapted for engagement with a surface uponwhich a user walks, (2) top layer that is formed of a flexible materialand includes a top surface that supports said insole, and (3) anmiddle-layer having (a) a front-portion that is relatively rigid and islocated generally under the ball of a user's foot, (b) a mid-portionthat is relatively flexible and is located generally under the arch of auser's foot, and (c) a bottom face that is relatively rigid and islocated generally under the arch of a user's foot; a collapsible upperhaving an outer layer of material and an inner layer of material, saidouter layer of material being waterproof and breathable, said upperbeing collapsible onto said insole; and a waterproof seal connectingsaid sole pad and said upper.
 22. The article of footwear of claim 21including: a collapsible lining within said upper constructed of amoisture wicking insulating material.